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C12 Electrochemistry
C12 Electrochemistry
Electrochemistry
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Describe investigations leading to the classification of substances as
conductors or non-conductors
Distinguish between metallic and electrolytic conduction
Define electrolysis, cathode, anode, cation and anion
Define electrolytes as strong and weak based on their conductivity
Predict the electrode to which an ion will drift
Define oxidation and reduction reactions including reactions at
electrodes
Predict chemical reactions making use of electrochemical series
Identify ions present in electrolytes
Discuss the electrolysis of certain substances
Define Faraday constant
Calculate the masses and volumes of substances liberated during
electrolyses
Describe industrial applications of electrolysis
Chapter 12
Electrochemistry
The valence electrons of each atom are loosely held as they are relatively distant
from the nucleus. Thus they can be easily separated and move about randomly
throughout, conducting electricity.
In graphite, not all electrons are used in bonding. Thus, the free electrons can move
along the layers and carry the electric current.
Chapter 12
Electrochemistry
What is Electrolysis ?
Electrolysis is a process by which a substance is
broken up into its components by the passage of
electricity through it.
The substance must be an ionic compound and must
be molten or dissolved in water in order for the ions to
be mobile.
A direct current must be used for electrolysis.
During this process, electrical energy is changed into
chemical energy.
Chapter 12
Electrochemistry
Electrolysis
One electrode is connected to the positive terminal of the battery. It is
called the anode. Oxidation occurs here.
The other electrode is connected to the negative terminal of the
battery. It is called the cathode. Reduction occurs here.
An electrolyte is a substance that is being electrolysed.
An electrolyte is able to conduct electricity due to the presence of
mobile ions.
Positive ions are known as cations.
Negative ions are known as anions.
Chapter 12
Electrochemistry
At the Cathode
Sodium ions gain electrons and become sodium atoms, sodium ions are discharged.
Na+(l) + e- Na (l)
At the Anode
Chloride ions lose electrons and become chlorine gas, chloride ions are discharged.
2Cl- (l) Cl2 (g) + 2e-
Chapter 12
Electrochemistry
Quick check 1
1. What is meant by (i) cathode, (ii) anode ?
2. What is meant by an electrolyte? What type of compounds must
electrolytes be?
3. During electrolysis, to which electrode do:
(a) the positive ions of the electrolyte move to;
(b) the negative ions of the electrolyte move to?
4. Predict the products formed when the following substances (in the
molten state) are electrolysed.
Compound Product at Anode Product at Cathode
Return
Chapter 12
Electrochemistry
Electrolysis of solutions
When solutions are electrolysed, gases are usually produced.
The gases produced can be collected in test tubes to be identified later
by simple tests.
The electrolysis of solutions is
more complicated than
electrolysis of molten compounds,
because the products at the
electrodes can come from the
electrolyte as well as from water.
Chapter 12
Electrochemistry
Electrolysis of Solutions
Examples of electrolysis of different solutions using inert electrodes,
assuming the solutions are fairly concentrated
Product at Product at
Electrolyte Ions in Solution
Cathode Anode
Na+(aq), Cl-(aq) ,
Aq. sodium chloride hydrogen gas chlorine gas
H+(aq), OH-(aq)
Quick check 2
1. Place in order the ease of discharge of the following cations (starting from the easiest
first): Ca2+, Na+, H+, Al3+, Mg2+, K+, Cu2+, Pb2+, Ag+.
2. Place in order the ease of discharge of the following anions (starting from the easiest
first): Br-, Cl-, NO3-, OH-, I-, SO42-,.
3. (a) State the products obtained when a solution of dilute sulphuric acid is electrolysed
using platinum electrodes.
(b) Write the ionic equations for the reactions taking place at the cathode and anode.
4. (a) State the products obtained when a concentrated solution of sodium chloride is
electrolysed using inert electrodes.
(b) Write the ionic equations for the reactions taking place at the cathode and anode.
5. (a) State the products obtained when a solution of sodium hydroxide is electrolysed
using platinum electrodes.
(b) Write the ionic equations for the reactions taking place at the cathode and anode.
Solution
Chapter 12
Electrochemistry
Electroplating
Electroplating is the process in which a metallic object
is coated with another metal by electrolysis.
Electroplating with copper
Chapter 12
Electrochemistry
At the anode:
Copper dissolves: Cu(s) Cu2+(aq) + 2e-
Anodising
Anodising is the process of making the oxide layer on the
surface of the aluminium thicker. This will protect the aluminium
even better.
The aluminium object is made the anode while the cathode
could be copper or lead or aluminium.
When current is applied, the water in the electrolyte breaks
down and oxygen is deposited at the anode. This oxygen then
combines with the aluminium to form aluminium oxide and thus
provides a protective layer for the aluminium. This prevents
corrosion.
Chapter 12
Electrochemistry
Examples of electroplating
Electroplating Metal Uses
Water taps, motorcar bumpers and bicycle
Chromium
parts
Tin Tin cans
Quick check 3
1. State two uses of electrolysis in the industry.
2. (a) What is electroplating?
(b) State two advantages of electroplating
an iron object with chromium.
3. A metal spoon is to be coated with silver. Sketch a diagram to
show how you would set up the electrolytic cell for this to be
carried out. Label the material that can be used for the
cathode and anode. Also state a suitable solution for the
electrolyte.
Solution
Chapter 12
Electrochemistry
Return
Chapter 12
Electrochemistry
Electroplating with
silver
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Chapter 12
Electrochemistry